BUS company Stagecoach is appealing to travellers to allow extra time for journeys while a series of roadworks are ongoing.

Bus services are being badly affected by roadworks in Dawlish, Cofton and Exminster with hold-ups causing major problems for passengers.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: ‘There are currently multiple sets of roadworks in place, including in Cofton, Dawlish and Exminster, some of which involve temporary traffic lights and are having a significant impact on our Services 2 and B, with buses experiencing delays of up to an hour.

‘We recognise how disruptive this is for customers, particularly at the start of the academic year when demand is higher, and we will be escalating this matter with the local authorities.

‘We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and would advise customers to allow extra time for their journeys where possible.’

Passengers have reported buses running as much as half and hour late or being cancelled altogether.

Also, most of the services are on single decker buses so when one does arrive, it is standing room only.

One parent reported children being unable to get on a bus after school and having to wait by the roadside.

Another bus user said: ‘I’ve no idea when to leave work as the times are totally unrealistic.’

Taxi companies have been badly affected too.

James’ Taxis apologised to customers while the works are going on.

James Lamkin said: ‘As you all know the lights on Exeter road have been an absolute nightmare, this is making timings incredibly hard to judge.

‘I will do my best to get from A to B in a timely manner but please bare with myself and other taxi companies if we don’t have a taxi available right away, be a few minutes behind or cannot give you an accurate time.’